Get set to run 'Over the Odda' and raise funds for Hawksworth School

A school which nestles in beautiful countryside is making the most of its surroundings for a second year as it prepares to host ‘Over the Odda’.

The 10k race – named in honour of the steep hill the runners have to come down – took place for the first time last year to raise funds for Hawksworth School.

It was such a huge success that organisers are hoping lots of runners will join in again this year on May 17.

The race director is Emma Stoney, whose three young children attend Hawksworth School. Emma is a keen runner herself and was the first lady at The Saltaire Shaker 15k race on February 16 in a time of one hour and nine minutes. Now the race winner aims to organise a race of her own.

Emma, who runs with Baildon Runners and enjoys competing in local races, said: “Being a keen runner myself and appreciating that the school is in a fantastic location for a cross country race, I decided to become ‘race director’ and try to organise one.

“The race was a huge success last year, with a turnout of around 200 runners.The route has been described as ‘challenging’ as it takes in a couple of large local hills, but participants get to admire stunning views across both the Aire and Wharfe valleys.”

Emma is hoping mums from the school will be among those taking part after she started a running group, Mums on the Run.

“A group of about eight mums go out on a Monday morning once we have dropped the children at school,” said Emma.

“The only problem is that in whichever direction you leave the village of Hawksworth, you will have a hill to climb at the end! This does not seem to have put the mums off, some of whom had never run before and can now do five miles.”

Emma is also inspiring her own family.

“My middle daughter Lucia is following in my footsteps and has her eye on the junior trophy at this years Odda race,” she added.

Entries for the 10k and junior race are now open. Go online at bookitzone.com